The writings of the computer genius and Internet hacktivist whose tragic suicide shook the world

In January 2013, Aaron Swartz, under arrest and threatened with thirty-five years’ imprisonment, committed suicide. He was twenty-six. But in his short life he had changed the world: reshaping the Internet, questioning our assumptions about intellectual property, and creating some of the tools we use in our daily online lives. He was also a leading critic of the politics of the Web.

In this collection of his writings that spans over a decade, Swartz displays his passion for and in-depth knowledge of intellectual property, copyright, and the architecture of the Internet. The Boy Who Could Change the World contains the life’s work of one of the most original minds of our time.

Reviews

“A kid genius … Aaron was not just, or even primarily, a computer geek. His defining feature was a constant struggle for what he believed was right.”

– Lawrence Lessig

“Aaron had an unbeatable combination of political insight, technical skill, and intelligence about people and issues. I think he could have revolutionized American (and worldwide) politics. His legacy may still yet do so.”

– Cory Doctorow

“I always found it genuinely inspiring to watch Swartz exude courage and commitment at such a young age.”

– Glenn Greenwald

“This volume makes clear what those of us who knew Aaron already grasped: when we lost Aaron, we lost one of the most exciting minds of our time.”

– Chris Hayes

“We’ve lost a fighter. We’ve lost somebody who put huge energy into righting wrongs.”

– Sir Tim Berners-Lee

“Swartz left behind an impressive body of writing that still has the power to rally others... Clear, well read and sourced”